Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

1897

Average_duration

:

127:17

"Sapho" is an opera composed by Jules Massenet, with a libretto by Henri Cain. The opera was first performed on November 27, 1897, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. The plot of the opera is based on the novel "Sappho" by Alphonse Daudet. The story revolves around the love triangle between the poet Jean Gaussin, the courtesan Fanny Legrand, and the painter Glycère. Jean falls in love with Fanny, but she is already involved with Glycère. Jean becomes jealous and eventually leaves Fanny for a time. When he returns, he finds that Fanny has become ill and is dying. He realizes that he still loves her and they are reunited before her death. The opera is divided into four acts, each with its own distinct musical style. The first act is set in a café in Paris and features lively, dance-like music. The second act takes place in Glycère's studio and is more introspective, with a focus on the characters' emotions. The third act is set in Fanny's bedroom and is more somber, with a funeral march and a lament for Fanny's impending death. The final act takes place on a beach in Greece and features a chorus of fishermen and a love duet between Jean and Fanny. One of the characteristics of "Sapho" is its use of leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. For example, Fanny's leitmotif is a waltz-like melody that is heard throughout the opera. Another characteristic is Massenet's use of orchestration to create different moods and atmospheres. The music ranges from light and playful to dark and brooding, depending on the scene. Overall, "Sapho" is a romantic and emotional opera that explores themes of love, jealousy, and mortality. Its premiere was well-received, and it remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire.

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